Autor cunoscut mai mult pentru «Odiseea spatiala 2001…2010», precum si pentru inventarea satelitului artificial, Clarke este un scriitor bland, care nu socheaza, nu sperie si nu nelinisteste. In «Sfarsitul copilariei», viziunea lui despre viitor este una optimista. In fata tuturor razboaielor ce macina oamenii de mii de ani, in fata poluarii, a amenintarii nucleare, a mutatiilor genetice, a urii rasiale si a multor altor nenorociri, Clarke viseaza frumos si, prin cartile lui, ne facem sa speram. «Sfarsitul copilariei» are un final trist, dar plin de speranta. O carte ce loveste adanc in mandria omului redus la cotidian, dar care glorifica acelasi om care isi doreste un viitor mai bun pentru copilul sau. O carte clasica, nerecomandata iubitorilor de nave spatiale, lasere si batalii galactice. O carte ce merita citita

Wojna. Okaleczona, stojąca nad grobem Hanza jest jeszcze w stanie ująć i ukarać tego, kto złamał jej prawa. Maj, Anno Domini 1560. Gdańsk. Staszek czuwa nad śmiertelnie ranną Helą. Nie widzi zaciskającej się pętli. Niebawem kolejny wilczy ogon zaznaczy śmierć kolejnego przyjaciela. Pomoc nie nadejdzie - Marek strzeżony przez hanzeatyckich zabójców podejmuje desperacką decyzję... Już za późno na intrygi. Rozbitkowie z innych czasów są w tym świecie anomalią. Los się ich nie ima i nie będą mieli przyszłości. Uczepieni nadziei na przetrwanie desperacko poszukują mitycznego Oka Jelenia... Wstęgi ludzkich losów łączą się jak w sferze armilarnej: Ty trzymasz w ręce swój świat i ja trzymam świat w ręce. Jak mówi stare kozackie przysłowie – kto jest durniem, niech umrze jako niewolnik

Un pianeta su cui si è sviluppata una società avventurosa ma arretrata, spinta da una grande sete di conoscenza ma dotata di una tecnologia elementare e proprio per questo ancora più eroica. Un ambiente duro e ostile da cui si può evadere solo fuggendo verso l’ignoto, nello spazio: sono le premesse da cui parte Bob Shaw per costruire un romanzo di avventure i cui protagonisti sono astronauti che volano su navi di legno ed esploratori dell’ignoto disposti a muoversi fra i mondi con poco più di una caravella. In condizioni simili non c’è da stupirsi che i pericoli del viaggio si moltiplichino per mille e le incognite dell’arrivo siano ancora più tremende. Ma cosa ha da perdere chi non ha nulla da perdere? Non è esagerato dire che in questa saga di un futuro “diverso” Shaw sia riuscito a darci tutti gli elementi di un originale racconto epico

SFS1 is a collection of riveting science fiction short stories. What role does science play? From contacting celebrities from beyond the grave to teleportation to recording dreams, SFS1 tells the stories of the lucky and sometimes unlucky individuals who invent or come across these technologies. Filled with twists and turns, SFS1 is a collection you simply cannot pass up. Rejected Patent: a scientist develops a way to look into your past lives, but some groups decide use this beyond simple research. Will his legacy be one of scientific achievement, or only destruction? Robography: Who can you trust in a world where robots and humans are indistinguishable from each other and have no discernible differences beyond their well-hidden recharge ports? Useless Medicine: When a scientist invents a new medicine, the dean of the college calls him a fool. But perhaps this new medicine is the greatest beyond all living remembrance? Honey Moon on the Moon: A man goes above and beyond for his wife when he gets a reservation on the last available hotel on the moon but something just isn’t right. Ghost On Call: A reporter looks in to the new technology that allows friends and family to be contacted beyond the grave but perhaps some secrets are better left dead. Two Robots: When marriages are extended beyond humans to robots, so are divorce proceedings. The Stupid Scientist: When a researcher’s work seems beyond his grasp and is willing to give up, he gets a some help from an unlikely source. My Recorder: A neurologist invents a dream recorder, but when dreaming is beyond your control, will anyone choose to record their dreams? The Writer: When a man stalks an up and coming writer, how far will they go? Perhaps the truth lies in the mysterious notes he’s been writing. Or maybe it lies beyond the confines of reality. Teleport 2.0: when a research assistant decides to hold a press conference to unveil a stolen technology, they might soon find out that what’s possible lies even beyond their imagination

SFS2 is an amazing collection of ten science fiction stories that will please any reader looking for adventure. The author aims for the stars and definitely hits his mark. Some of these ten stories seems like they could happen right now, and others in the near future. With the technology we live with today, this science fiction could be real life. Lost Planet: A television news reporter trapped in a new post- apocalyptic world knows that there is more going on than what meets the eye. A surprise plot twist will make your jaw drop. An Alien Animal: An exciting story with a hilarious plot twist. A semi ordinary guy with a big mouth lands himself in hot water when the adventure he dreams of suddenly lands in his lap. Half Invention: A very interesting time machine story that leaves you wanting more. A definite view of how human excitement invariably transcends human reason. 404: A very interesting story about technology of the possibly not so distant future. This story has quite the humanistic touch as well as a mother loses her son and gains him back due to some extraordinary but illegal technology. Lie Free Society: A tale that could have taken place at almost any time and location, it is a great cultural lesson on the powers of perception and belief. Secret Invention: A devious double cross scheme. A brilliant scientist gains the ability to clone humans begins to be afraid of where this technology could lead when his boss forces him to clone a strange and unknown subject. Successful Failure: A true disappearing act, this story will leave you amazed and feeling just a little sorry for the protagonist. A tale of government secrecy at its best. Ten Million: A near future story that is full of intrigue and mystery. Quite an interesting plot of what happens when a schemer gets schemed himself. Custom Kids: Really, a story that is not that farfetched and could take place in the near future with the pace that genetic study is moving at today. What would you do if the child you loved what not who you really thought they were? Meat Market: A near future story that literally gives the term ‘a pound of flesh’ a new meaning. Read this story with the question ‘what if?’ in the back of your mind and just see where the author and your imagination take you